Police complete probe on Prasain's cybercrime case

Kathmandu, Dec. 10: The investigation on the medical entrepreneur Durga Prasain concerning offenses related to electronic transactions (cybercrime) has been concluded.

According to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Nabindra Aryal, Director of the Cyber Bureau, Bhotahiti, the Bureau submitted its investigative report to the District Government Attorney’s Office on Sunday.

Prasain was arrested by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) from his residence in Bhaktapur on November 19. He was then handed over to the Cyber Bureau for further investigation into allegations of cybercrime.

The charges stemmed from Prasain’s dissemination of controversial content on social media, alleging that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had investments in Cambodia. 

He also released documents claiming to substantiate his accusations. However, the claims and the documents were later dismissed as false, prompting his arrest. During the investigation, Prasain asserted that the documents were provided by an unidentified individual, whom he claimed not to know.

The Cyber Bureau concluded that the documents made public by Prasain were neither original nor authentic but were forged. 

Consequently, the District Government Attorney’s Office is set to file an indictment against him at the Kathmandu District Court on Tuesday (December 10). Following the filing, the court will determine whether Prasain should remain in custody or be allowed to defend himself while out on bail. Regardless of the court's decision, Prasain is unlikely to be released immediately due to the severity of the charges.

CIB begins new investigation from Monday

With the Cyber Bureau’s investigation completed, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has begun investigation in another charge against Prasain. He is accused of threatening entrepreneurs by invoking the name of Indian criminal group leader Lawrence Bishnoi, for which a court-issued arrest warrant has already been obtained.

According to CIB Spokesperson and Superintendent of Police (SP) Hobindra Bogati, statements from Prasai will be recorded starting Monday. As part of the statement recording, he was presented to the CIB on Monday, said SP Bogati.

Earlier, on November 28, the CIB arrested another individual, Nabin Pradhan (alias Harichandra Phuyal), a 36-year-old resident of Mechinagar-13, Jhapa, for offenses related to unlawful gains. 

Pradhan, originally from Mauwa in Panchthar, allegedly threatened businesspersons over the phone, claiming to be a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. SP Bogati said that Prasain had been found giving Rs. 500,000 to Pradhan to issue and make threating phone calls to entrepreneurs of Nepal in the name of Bishnoi.

Pradhan admitted to acting under Prasain’s instructions. SP Bogati also revealed that Pradhan had a history of involvement in various criminal activities and phone connections with Prasain.

Police investigations have uncovered two check-bounce cases against Pradhan, for which he was previously released on bail. He was found to be complicit in additional criminal activities alongside Prasain. Another check-bounce case linked to Pradhan was discovered in Morang, where he will be sent following the completion of the ongoing investigation.

Additionally, evidence has surfaced indicating frequent communication between Prasain and Pradhan, including exchanges on the days when businesspersons reported receiving threats. Although the Cyber Bureau submitted its report, CIB sought court approval to extend Prasain’s detention by three days, citing the need to formalise the charges on Sunday. 

Prasain is currently receiving treatment at Nepal Cancer Hospital in Harisiddhi, Lalitpur, after petitioning the Supreme Court for release, claiming he is a cancer patient. While the court declined to release him, it directed that appropriate medical arrangements be made.

Following the Supreme Court's directive, Prasain was admitted to the hospital. Prasain will now be kept in the custody of the CIB at Maharajgunj, and the investigation will proceed further.